Jaime Sumersille

Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.

Latest posts by Jaime

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:09am

Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center's interactive exhibits are free. Photo by Gina Massaro

When bad weather strikes, no one feels it more than a parent whose kids have gone stir crazy. They're torturing siblings, and the house is reaching its boiling point.

Have no fear: This hand-picked list of free play spaces and indoor playgrounds will keep your kids happily occupied, and it includes some of my family's top favorites. Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, I'm looking at you.

So there's no need to stay home just because cold weather is upon us. From malls to bookstores and libraries, there is plenty of free fun to be had on Long Island for kids. Enjoy these unique play destinations, but remember that most venues require that a parent/adult be present to supervise children.

For more indoor fun, don't forget to check out our guide to r ainy-day activities on Long Island, and discover all the free events and activities near you in our guide to Free Things to Do With Kids on Long Island.

Slime Workshop, Fossil Finds and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/09/2026 - 9:06am

Sands Point Preserve kicks off a wilderness survival series Saturday where teens can learn survival basics alongside their parents. Photo courtesy of the venue

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

If you’re craving warm, hands-on moments, don’t miss the Morse Code Moniker at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Pint-sized spies can learn all about Morse Code by crafting bracelets that spell their names in dots and dashes.

Scientists-in-training, take note: This Slime Chemistry workshop at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center is calling your name. Experiment with ooey-gooey mixtures and learn the science behind everyone’s favorite stretchy stuff.

Find all that and more top picks for the weekend ahead below!

New Year's Eve Weekend on Long Island with Kids: Countdown to 2026 and More Fun

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 01/02/2026 - 9:17am

Count down to 2026 with an early celebration at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of LICM

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island on New Year's Eve weekend to ring in 2026? From fireworks to drone shows to balloon drops, here are our top activities to add to your list this holiday weekend.

Close out the year with some good, old-fashioned family fun. Marvel at a free holiday train display in Dix Hills or Babylon. Or wear your favorite pajamas and immerse yourself in a world of Grinchy mischief and holiday cheer at the Cradle of Aviation Museum.

New Year's Eve falls on a weekday, but you can pick whatever time works for your family. Ring in Noon Year’s Eve at the Long Island Explorium or Long Island Children's Museum. Or combine your celebration with a meal at the Fishes and Wishes New Year's Eve Dinner at the Long Island Aquarium, which includes meet and greets with cute animal ambassadors.

And, through the new year, drive through the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Show at Jones Beach.

Happy 2026 Long Island families, from all of us at Mommy Poppins. We can't wait to keep exploring with you in the new year.

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 12/28/2025 - 10:50am

Watch ice carving demonstrations and celebrate all things winter along the harborfront at Port Jefferson's annual Ice Festival. Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Business Improvement District

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with activities for kids, indoors and outside. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do on Long Island with kids this month.

From nature outings to indoor crafts to STEM opportunities, these options offer some awesome ways to spend time doing fun, family-friendly things that won’t cost you a cent.

For more things to do that won’t bust your budget, check out our roundup of free indoor play spaces on Long Island, our Winter Fun Guide, and our rundown of Long Island restaurants where kids eat free.

Long Island New Year’s Eve Guide 2025 for Families: Kid-Friendly Events, Fireworks & More

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 11:20am

The Long Island Children's Museum's New Year's Eve party has themed activities, a ball drop, and a confetti-filled dance party. Photo courtesy LICM

Discover family-friendly events, fireworks, early countdowns, and fun ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025–2026 on Long Island with kids of all ages.

No matter how old your kids are, there are plenty of family-friendly New Year's Eve events across Long Island to help you welcome 2026. Our top picks for daytime New Year's Eve celebrations include roller skating, ball drops, and gaming.

At night, head to a downtown area for a Times Square feel as Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, Huntington, and Patchogue light up their Main Streets with celebrations.

Find more fun in our Family Activity Calendar and Holiday Fun Guide. And be sure to subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

Christmas Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Holiday Lights, Shows, and More Things To Do

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 12/26/2025 - 8:18am

Clark Botanical Garden's Winter Wonderland is open for another week. Photo courtesy of the garden

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Christmas weekend? Here are some awesome events and activities for kids to add to your list for Christmas 2025.

From stunning light displays to family-friendly experiences that feel like stepping into a snow globe, there’s something for every holiday mood on Long Island.

Bundle up and wander through LuminoCity Fantasy Winter Fairyland at Eisenhower Park and take in the twinkling sculptures against the winter sky. Or, check out Candlelight Evenings at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for a storybook Christmas stroll featuring lantern lights and carolers.

And, if you need a break from Christmas events, dino-obsessed kids will love the Center for Science Teaching & Learning's Dinosaur Carnival.

20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Sun, 11/30/2025 - 5:58am

From holiday tales to dreidel making, the Sands Point Preserve boasts an afternoon full of family fun. Photo courtesy of Sands Point Preserve

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December, and that's just the beginning of things to do on Long Island this month.

Start off with some old-fashioned charm at the Babylon Village Christmas or step back in time at the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, both lovely, free traditions to kick off the season.

Then, treat the kids to live music at the Laurie Berkner Holiday Hits Show at The Paramount, or let them move and groove with Blippi: Join the Band at the Tilles Center.

And to close out the year? Don’t miss The Gateway’s Holiday Spectacular on Ice, starring ice-skating legend Nancy Kerrigan, for a truly unforgettable family finale for 2025.

You'll find plenty more seasonal fun in our Holiday Guide for Long Island Families. Plus, get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows on Long Island 2025

Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on Fri, 11/28/2025 - 10:54am

LuminoCity returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park this Christmas season. Photo courtesy LuminoCity

For a touch of holiday magic on Long Island, it's hard to beat the glow of a spectacular Christmas lights display or holiday lights drive-thru.

While we really enjoy the immersive walk-through displays across Long Island, sometimes we prefer to grab our hot cocoa and set out on the road. Driving through the Town of Islip Holiday Lights or Jones Beach Magic of Lights Show has become an annual tradition that even my older kids anticipate.

Meanwhile, Sayville Falls once again transforms into a magical walk-through experience with its Light Show and Winter Garden, and Clark Botanic Garden is bringing back its free Winter Wonderland Walk-Through.

Find all our top picks for holiday fun—including Long Island's best Christmas activities—in our Long Island Christmas Guide.

Jaime Sumersille

Latest posts by Jaime

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